Registered

I see that this has been discussed before but wanted to clarify some things before going full bore on a starter motor replacement.

2001 Beetle, won't start from time to time. When turning the ignition it is one click and nothing else. All lights and bells are working. A couple of times now my girlfriend, and it is her car, has had it jumped but I think this may be coincidence. Today I tried starting it, same single click and no start. Checked the battery and it read mid 12's. Tried various things, e-brake on, off, in gear, not in gear. (standard by the way) Eventually lifted the car and gave the starter a good couple of whacks. Did not start. Whacked it again and on the second attempt it started. Battery read 14+ when running. I stopped and started the car numerous times after with various brake, gear combinations and it started right up every time. I was by myself so could not check voltage while actually starting the car.

I am assuming the starter is starting to get sticky and needs replacement before it completely gives it up. Plus, she isn't going to jack the left front of the car and get under with a drift and hammer every morning. Based on the description can anyone tell me anything else to look for or if I am headed in the wrong direction? I found one comprehensive guide on replacing the starter but wouldn't mind looking at a couple of accounts if others are available. I do most of my own work on my Land Rover Discovery so am fairly mechanical and, better yet, have a good selection of metric tools.

Registered

Well, it is either seizing up and the whack with the hammer is knocking it loose, or an electrical connection is loose and the whack with the hammer luckily caused it to make contact.

Have you heard any grinding noise just after starting the car?

I've had my starter replaced and prior to getting it done my starter would make a coffee grinding noise just after the engine started and I let off on the ignition key. According to my mechanic this was the starter grinding down to a halt and eventually would have seized up.

Not to hijack the thread, but my car isn't starting. The dash lights work, attempt to start results in a click, and then the dash lights go out. What does this mean? Is there anything I can do to get it started temporarily so I can move it?

Registered

Not to hijack the thread, but my car isn't starting. The dash lights work, attempt to start results in a click, and then the dash lights go out. What does this mean? Is there anything I can do to get it started temporarily so I can move it?

I need body panels (rip plates) 1c0809673 and 1c0809674 for a 2000 New Beetle. The car only has a 122,000 miles on its TDI, so is worth repairing. Unfortunately, 1c0809674 is no longer available according to VW.
Does anyone know where I can source aftermarket parts?
I contacted ECS Tuning and...

Just purchased a 2006 NB locally. 79000 miles, 2.5 engine, new top.
... Runs great, but I want to have it checked by a VW tech. I'm 75 yrs old and have had VWs since 1966.
What problems can I expect to have with my ride.
I do have the sticky dash, buts it's coming off with GOO B GONE.
It's...

Just purchased a 2006 NB locally. 79000 miles, 2.5 engine, new top.
... Runs great, but I want to have it checked by a VW tech. I'm 75 yrs old and have had VWs since 1966.
What problems can I expect to have with my ride.
I do have the sticky dash, buts it's coming off with GOO B GONE.
It's...

newbeetle.org is an independent Volkswagen enthusiast website owned and operated by VerticalScope Inc. Content on newbeetle.org is generated by its users. newbeetle.org is not in any way affiliated with Volkswagen AG.